Month: September 2015

Every year, Night of Joy gathers some of the biggest names in Christian music for an awesome time at the “Happiest Place on Earth”. Elevate took on Magic Kingdom and had a great time getting to know each other, eating turkey legs and listening to rocking, positive music focused on Christ. Our adult volunteers, who made the whole night possible, also had a great time. What we lost in sleep (we stayed out pretty late!), we gained in great memories.

THE SYRIAN REFUGEE CRISIS. HURRICANE KATRINA. EBOLA CRISIS IN WEST AFRICA. HOW DO WE HELP?
The good news is – you belong to a church that has a system in place to help in situations such as these. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by war, conflict or natural disaster. UMCOR provides humanitarian relief and disaster response to people in more than 80 countries, including the United States.

WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?
UMCOR is working with local partners to provide emergency food vouchers in Sicily and food packets and hygiene kits on the islands of Kos and Lesbos. Methodists in Italy have contributed funds for a migrant project called “Mediterranean Hope.” In Hungary, The United Methodist Church is a member of the Hungarian Interchurch Aid, whose volunteers have been working at refugee camps.
After the flood waters have receded, wounds have been tended, basic needs met, and the world’s attention has faded, UMCOR continues to be present by providing ongoing assistance for temporary relief, and long-term education, training, and support.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
Your contributions to your local church support your local church’s work and regional ministries. It also supports national and international programs, agreed upon by General Conference. All United Methodist churches share the cost of these ministries, with each local church being responsible for contributing a fair portion, or “apportionment.” This makes it possible for 100% of your UMCOR donation to go to the projects specified. There are no administration costs taken from the gift.

Methodism’s founder John Wesley encouraged his followers to spread the good news, transform hopelessness into hope and assist God’s children wherever they may be. When UMCOR donors give their time, money, and supplies, they join UMCOR as the hands and feet of Christ. Our own mission team just returned from serving at the UMCOR depot in Sager-Brown, LA.

To learn more, serve or donate, please go to umcor.org.

Many thanks to Cheryl Loft who saw a need in our community, started our Soul to Sole ministry and has served faithfully for 6 years! Cheryl is moving on to other commitments, and Sandy Havron will continue the efforts of supplying gently-used athletic shoes to those in need in our community. Thank you Cheryl! If you have shoes you wish to donate, please drop them in the large red bins in the courtyard on Sunday mornings.

We recently welcomed our newest ordained deacon to the church family! After extensive training and evaluations, Michele Walker Van Son received the Bishop’s commissioning as a Deacon of the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church in June. Our Church Conference then unanimously voted to have her serve here. She feels called to welcome, educate and connect people of every area into the community of the church. Michele was raised in this church family, and has chosen to raise her family here. She is the mother of Josh, Nick and Lily, and daughter of Bill and Robbi Walker.